(Video) Guan Eng answers undersea tunnel project allegations via social media video

GEORGE TOWN: Lim Guan Eng made history today when he became the first Malaysian politician to rebut claims of wrongdoings on video conferencing through social media.
Frustrated that he apparently could not explain himself fully via mainstream media, the Penang Chief Minister took to Facebook and posted a brief account of around five minutes to explain allegations about the lack of transparency surrounding the proposed RM6.3 billion cross-channel undersea tunnel project.
Lim had earlier complained that the allegations which received media coverage were purportedly leakages from the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) and it should be curtailed to stop the basis of a trial by media circumstances.
But the exposé has continued with the latest news alleging that kickbacks were given to several people on the tender approval panel.
Lim, who spoke in English with Mandarin and Bahasa Malaysia subtitles outlined that the undersea project was above board concerning the ownership of the project delivery partner — Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd.
He also clarified that the involvement of a fashion - based company was purely from a commercial standpoint rather than technical.
Lim was responding directly to the allegations thrown at the state government by MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
Lim, however, steered clear over the latest allegations that several politicians had allegedly received kickbacks over the sale of two parcels of land to allegedly cover the costs of the project feasibility study.
The study remains incomplete despite the project being formalised in 2013.
The tunnel remains one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects to be undertaken in Asia and if completed, was to be the fifth underwater tunnel in the region after Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Singapore.
The 7.2km long tunnel links Gurney Drive on the island with Bagan Ajam in Butterworth.
Watch the video here :